Partnering municipalities for the County Connector are asking the public for feedback on the transit service, which aims to expand travel options in rural communities.

Riders and non-riders are encouraged to complete a short survey that will be available from Sept. 9 to 30.

“It’s important that the project aligns with the needs of local residents,” said County Reeve Leanne Beaupre in a release.

“Now that we’ve been operational for several months, we want to hear from the public what is working well and what aspects of the service can be improved.”

The County Connector has been operational for eight months and is part of a two-year Rural Transportation Pilot Program funded by the provincial government.

Municipalities partnering on the County Connector include the County of Grande Prairie, the City of Grande Prairie, the towns of Sexsmith, Beaverlodge and Wembley and the Village of Hythe.

County administration reported almost 1,500 riders boarding buses between December 2018 and June 2019, with 83 per cent of ridership made up of adults, in an update to council Monday.

During the first seven months of operation, the service has removed a stop in Beaverlodge and added two stops in Grande Prairie.

A preliminary survey in June also revealed that riders showed “general satisfaction” with the County Connector, although survey participant numbers were limited. The most common uses were visits to family or friends, medical appointments and shopping.

The upcoming survey is available online at www.countygp.ab.ca/countyconnectorsurvey. A paper copy can be filled out on a County Connector transit bus, the county’s administration building, Grande Prairie City Hall or Service Centre, and municipal offices in Beaverlodge, Wembley or Hythe.